The discreet, disciplined and private man won 87% of the vote in December's election against a severely depleted field. Scrolling back through the social media accounts from the president's office there is a sense of a carefully curated image. In the 15 years before he took power, Doumbouya gained extensive international experience, including being educated to master's level in France and serving in the French Foreign Legion. Unlike coup leaders elsewhere in West Africa, Doumbouya has not outrightly rejected the former colonial power France in favour of Russia. Neither, despite his background in France and having a French wife, has he been accused of being a puppet of Paris.

Source: The Star January 17, 2026 13:29 UTC